Fuse-plug.



No. 816,406. PATENTED MAR. 27, 1906.

A. WEBB-R, SR. & A. WEBER, JR.

FUSE PLUG.

APPLICATION FILED MAE. a, 1904.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

A. WEBER, Sn. & A. WEBER, JR.

FUSE PLUG. APPLIOATIOK rum) HA3, 8, 1904.

PATENTED MAR. 27, 1906.

2 sums-S EET I IE] UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

AUGUST WEBER, SR, AND AUGUST WEBER, JR, OF SCHENEUTADY, NEW YORK; SAID WEBER, JR, ASSIGNOR TO SAID WEBER, SR.

7 FUSE-PLUG.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented March 27, 1906 To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, AL'GL'sT WEBER, Sr., and AUGUST WEBER, Jr., citizens of the United States, residing at Schenectady, county of Schenectady, and State of New York, have invented certain new and-useful Improvements in Fuse-Plugs, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to such improvements; and it consists of the novel construction and combination of parts hereinafter described and subse uently claimed.

Reference may e had to the accompanying drawings and the reference characters marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

Similar characters refer to similar parts in the several figures.

Figure 1 is a lan view of the inner end of the im roved se-plug. Fig. 2 is a plan view 0 the outer end of the same with the cap removed. Fig. 3 is a central vertical longitudinal section of the plug, taken on the broken line 3 3 in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a similar view taken on the broken line 4 4 in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a horizontal cross-section of the same, taken on the broken line 5 5 in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the inner end of the cap. Fig. 7 is a side view of the same. Fig. 8 is a central vertical cross-section of the same, taken on the broken line 8 8 in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a similar view taken on the broken line 9 9 in Fig. 6, showing a modified form of cap. Fig. 10 is a View in side elevation of the insulating-base of the plug. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the inner end of the same, Fig. 12 is a central vertical longitudinal section of the same, taken on the broken line 12 12 in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a similar view, taken on the broken line 13 13 in Fig. 11. Fig. 14 is a side view of the screw-shell, partly broken away. Fig. 15 is a bottom plan view of the same as shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a similar view of the screw-shell in process of manufacture, illustrating the manner in which the inte a1 connecting-tongue is formed.

T e general objects of the invention are to facilitate the manufacture and increase the efficiency of fuse-plugs.

Specific objects of the invention will appear in connection with the following description.

Referring to th e,drawings, wherein the invention is shown in its referred form, the fuse-plug comprises a ho low base 1 of insulating materiah'having its outer open end closed by a cap 2, an exterior contact member 3 on its inner end, an inclosing screwshell 1, adapted to connect with a suitable socket and to form the other contact member. and an inclosed fuse 5, connecting said contact members. The hollow base is preferably made of molded poreclain of general cylindrical form, with its inner end of somewhat smaller diameter than its outer end, and preferably has its cavity of greater diameter at the outer end than at the inner end,

Erected f- 'om the inner end of the base, integral therewith, is a partition 6, which extends across the contracted portion of the cavit dividing the inne; end thereof into two 0 ambers or pockets. On opposite sides of said partition, near the foot thereof, are formed apertures 7 and 8, both preferably ex tending through the inner end wall of the base and in approximately the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the base.- The inner end of the base is provided on its exterior with a depression 9, into which the aperture 8 opens eccentricall thereto, The exterior contact member 3 1s seated i n said depression 9,which it closely fits, and said contact member has a post 10 extending eccentrically therefrom through the eccentric aperture 8 into the cavit of the base on one side of the partition. T e inner end of the post 10 is split and ex anded,whereby it is secured to the base. he' eccentric arrangement of the post andits aperture relatively to the contact member 3 and its de ressed seat serves to prev nt displacement o the contact member by rota-tive movement. The screw-shell 4, which forms the other exterior contact member, is adapted to receive the inner end of the base, upon which it is secured by introverting side portions 12 of the shell into side recesses 13, formed in the exterior of the base. By extending the partition 6 across the interior of the base in line with the respective side recess s 13 said partition serves to resist the inwar thrust against the sides of thebase, due to the forcing of the side portions 12 of the screw-shell into said recesses. In order to more securely lock the part against rotative movement one. upon the other, the screw-shell is preferably-provlded 1n the lnner end wall of the base are located in its end wall with an angular opening 14, adapted to receive a similarly-shaped angular exterior inner end 15 of the base. The screw-shell is also provided with a tongue 16, which extends through the aperture 7 into the cavity of the base on the opposite side of the partition from the post 10. The tongue 16 is formed of an integral portion of theend wall of the screw-shell in themanner illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16. 1

The fuse 5 extends over the partition 6 and is soldered or otherwise secured at one end to the split end of the post 10 and at its other end to the tongue 16, as shown in Fig. 4. To facilitate connecting the end o'f-the fuse with said tongue, the end of the tongue is preferably grooved, asshown at 17, to receive the end of the fuse, which is preferably in the form of a wire. The two points of connection of the fuse with the contact members have a maximum distance of separation from each other, measured by the distance which must be traversed by a spark in passing from one to the other in the absence of the fuse, by reason of the fact that both said points of connection are located in approximately the same plane at the foot of and on opposite sides of said partition.

Both apertures 7 and 8, through which the circuit connections are made, being formed in use in the extreme inner end of the socket into which the plug is inserted, so that the escape of molten fuse metal is effectually prevented when the fuse'is destroy ed by an excessive current. If desired, the aperture 7 may be sealed by a deposit of plaster-of-paris, as shown at 18 in Fig. 4. v

The partition 6 may be extended as far as desirechand the construction above described makes it possible to'either secure by the extension of said partition without increasing the dimensions ofthe plug a greater distance of separation than has heretofore been possible between the points of connection of the fuse with the contact members or to materially reduce the dimensions of the plug'by extending said partition only to a point such that it will afford substantially the same distance of separation between said points of connection as secured by prior devices.

Vent-openings are formed by, extending recesses 20 remote from the fuse-connection apertures from the outer end of the base into the wall thereof until they intersect the side recesses 13, thereby forminga passage leading from the cavity of the base exteriorly thereof by a devious route, which affords means for the escape of gases under pressure due to'the destruction of the fuse by an excessive current without permitting the escape of sparks or of molten fuse metal.

The outer end of the base, which is preferably of larger diameter than the inner end, is provided with a camshaped surface 21 and hanging flange 28,

adjacent to the'hi her end of the cam with a flange 23, and recess 24 are preferably-duplicated on opposite sides of the base. To adapt the cap 2'to connect with the base so formed, the side wallof the cap, which is preferably formed of sheet metal, is provided with a slit 26, extending along a circumferential line, and the edge portion of said cap-wall adjacent to said slit is indented to form a spring member or yieldin boss 27 of a size and form adapted to freeT 24 and to occupy under compression the seat 22 on the base, the yielding nature of said member permitting it to ride upon the camsurface 21 when a rotative movement is imparted to the cap relatively to the base. The same constructionis preferably duplicated on opposite sides of the cap, adapting the same to make connection with the base at two diametrically opposite .points. cap is first applied by a telescoping movement to thebase, the members 27 being in line with the respective recesses 24. cap is then rotated upon the base, forcing the members 27 to ride upon the respective cams 21 until they pass the higher portions of said cams and enter the respective seats 22, wherein they are retained by reason of their resiliency, which prevents a reverse accidental rotative movement, without which the parts cannot be disconnected by reason of the over- This manner of connecting the sheet-metal cap with a base of molded porcelain or similar material may be employed with advantage in constructions adapted for various uses. For convenience in inspecting the fuse from time to time the cap is preferably provided with a central aperture 28, closed by a disk of mica 29, secured within the cap. The disk of mica may be interposed between the end wall of the ca and the indented edge portions 26 thereo as shown in'Fig. 9, whereby esca e of the disk from the cap is prevented, or t 1e side wall of the cap may be provided with slits 30 in closer proximity to the end wall, having portions 31 of the wall adjacent to said slits on the outer side thereof introverted and the mica disk secured between the cut edges of said introverted portions and the end wall of the cap, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. When the latter construction is employed, the outer edge of the base. may be chamfered, asshown at 32, Fig. 10, to accom-' which construction may be advantageous The y enter the recess The IIO

employed in various devices where it is desired to secure within a sheet-metal cap a disk of mica or other insulating material.

The construction of insulating-base herein shown and described is articularly adapted to be molded from orce ain and is so formed that it can be moldbd by the use of integral die members.

In the preferred form of our invention the base-cavity extends approximately to the inner end of the base, and the partition occupies the inner portion of such cavity within the screw-shell-inclosed portion of the base, whereby the same extent of base which is necessary for the mounting of the screw-shell is utilizedfor securing the necessary separation of the fuse connections. It is thus possible to secure the maximum distance of se aration of such connections by means of tl e partition without increasing in any way the necessary dimensions of the lug.

What we claim as new, an desire to secure by Letters-Patent, is

1. In a fuse-plug and in combination, a screw-shell adapted to form one of the exterior contact members; a base of insulatin material having its inner end inclosed an secured Within said screw-shell and provided with a cavity extending from its outer end approximately to its inner end and having a partition erected from its inner end extending across the interior of its screw-shell-inclosed portion; a contact member mounted upon the exterior of the inner endof the base; and a fuse extending over said partition and connected with said contact members through apertures in said base, portions of said fuse occupying on opposite sides of said partition chambers respectively inclosed between said partition and outer screw-shell-inclosed portions of the wall of the base.

2. In a fuse-plug and in combination, a'

base of insulating material, and a screw-shell inclosing and secured upon the inner, end of said base ada ted to form one of the exterior contact mem ers, said base being provided with a cavity extending approxlmately to its inner end and with a pair of apertures in its inner end'andhaving a partition erected from its inner end extending between said apertures across the interior of its screwshell-inclosed portion, and said screw-shell having a connecting member extendin through one of said end apertures into sai cavity on one side of said partition; an exterior contact member mounted upon the exteriorof the inner end of the base havin a connecting member extending through t e other of said end apertures into said cavity on the other side of said partition; and a fuse extending over said partition connected at its opposite ends to said connecting members respectively.

3. In a fuse-plug and in combination, a

hollow base of insulating material provided with a pair of fuse-connection apertures and with an enlargement of its cavity at the outer end thereof and a ventilating-aperture remote from said fuse-connection apertures extendin from said cavity enlargement longitudinalIv through and inclosed on all sides by the wall of the base and opening exteriorly at the side thereof; exterior contact members; a fuse within the base-cavity connected with said contact members through the fuseconnection apertures respectively; and a clo-.

sure for the open end of the base.

4. In a fuse-plug and in combination, a hollow base of insulating material provided with a pair of fuse-connection apertures in its inner end wall and with an enlargement of its cavity at the outer end thereof, and a ventilating-aperture remote from said fuseconnection apertures extending from said cavity enlar ement lon itudinally throu h the wall of t e base anf opening exterior y at the side thereof; a screw-shell inclosing said base adapted to form an exterior contact member and havin an integral tongue formed by a displaced portion of its end wall projecting through one of id fuse'connection apertures in the end wait of the base; an exterior contact member mounted upon the inner end of the base having 1 connection member projecting through the other of said fuse-connection apertures; a fuse within the base-cavity connecting said tongue and connection member; and a closure for the outer end of the base.

5. In a fuse-plug and in combination, a hollow base of insulating material provided with a pair of fuse-connection apertures in its inner end wall and with an enlargement of its cavity at the outer end thereof, and a ventilating-a erture remote from said fuseconnection apertures extending from said cavity enlar ement lon itudinally throu h the wall of the base and opening exterior y at the side thereof, and having a partition erected from its inner end wall extending transversely of the base-cavity between said fuse-connection apertures; a screw-shell inclosing said base adapted to form an exterior contact member and having an integral tongue formed by a displaced portion of its end wall projecting through one of said fuseconnection apertures in the end' wall of the base; an exterior contact member mounted upon the inner end of the base having a connection member projecting through the other of said fuse-connection apertures; a fusewithin the base-cavity connecting said tongue and connection member; and a closure for the outer end of the base.

6. In a fuse-plug and in combination, a hollow base of insulating material provided on its outer side with oppositely-located depressions and having a prrtition erected from its inner end wall extending trans versely of the base-cavity approximately in line with saiddepression; a screw-shell inclosing the base having side portions introverted into said sidedepressions therein and a fuse extending over said partition and connected with exterior contact members.

7. In a fuse-plu and in combinatio a hollow base of insu ating material having a plain cylindrical portion and an aperture in its inner end; of a screw-shell inclosin the plain cylindrical portion of the base and liaving an integral displaced portion of its end wall projecting through said aperture in the inner end of the base whereby rotative movement of the screw-shell on the base is prevented; and means for securing said screw shell against longitudinal movement on the base.

8. In a-fuse-plug and in combination a base of insulating material, and a screw-shell adapted to form one of the exterior contacts secured upon and inclosing the inner end of the base, said base being provided with a cavity extendingapproximately to its inner end and with a pair of apertures in its inner end and having a partition erected from its inner end extending between said apertures across the interior of its screw-shell-inclosed portion, and said screw-shell having an intergral displaced portion of its end Wall projecting through one of the end apertures in the base; an exterior contact insulated from said screw-shell having a connection member projecting through the other end aperture in the base; and a fuse extending over said partition connecting said connection member and displaced portion of the screw- 7 shell.

9. In a fuse-plug, the combination with a hollow base of insulating material having a partition and apertures on opposite sides of said partition; of a contact member exteriorly mounted upon the inner end of the base having a post projecting through one of said apertures within the base; a screw-shell in.- closing the base adapted to form the other contact member, and having an integral tongue formed by an introverted portion of its end Wall extending through the other of said apertures Within the base, and a fuse extending oversaid partition connected at its opposite ends to said tongue and post respectively.

. 10. In a fuseplug, the combination with a hollow base of insulating material having an angular exterior inner end and side depressions; of a screw-shell inclosing said base provided in its end with an angular opening adapted to fit the angular portion of the base and having side portions introvertedto occupy said'side depressions.

- 11. In a device of the class described, the combination with a base of insulating material of general cylindrical form having an exterior cam -sliaped surface; a depressed seat adjacent to the higher point of said cam; and a flange overhanging said seat on the sieao I pressed seat,

12. In a device of the class described, the combination with a base of insulating mate- 'rial of general cylindrical form having near one end an exterior cam-surface, a depressed seat adjacent to the higher portion of said cam; and a 'fiange overhanging said depressed seat and cam-surface on the outer side thereof, and provided with a lateral recess-extending from the lower portion of said cam-surface through the adjacent end surface of said base; of a cap adapted to receive said end of the base; said cap having a spring member adapted. to be inserted through said recess by a telescoping movement and to ride upon said cam and occupysaid depressed seat by a rotative movement of the cap.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination with a base of insulating material of general cylindrical form having near one end an exterior cam-surface, a depressed seat adjacent to the higher portion of said cam, and a flange overhanging said depressed seat and cam-surface on the .outer side thereof, and provided with a lateral recess extending from the lower portion of said cam-surface through the adjacent endsurface of said base; of a sheet-metal cap ada ted to receivesaid end of the base, said cap eing provided with a slit in its side wall, and

having an edge portion of said side wall adjacent to said slit indented to form a spring member adapted to be inserted through said recess by a telescoping movement, and to ride upon said cam and occupy said depressed seat. by a rotative movement.

14. In a device of the class described, the combination with a sheet-metal cap having its side walls slitted and portions thereof adj acent to said slits introverted on the side opposite the end wall of the cap; of a disk of insulating material secured within said cap be tween the end .wall thereof and the cut edges of said introverted portions.

15. in a device of the class described, the combination with a base of insulating material of general cylindrical form having on diametrically opposite sides thereof near one nd an exterior cam-surface, a depressed seat ad'acent to the higher portion of said cam, an a flange overhanging said depressed seat and cam-surface on the outer side'thereof, and provided with lateral recesses extending from the lower portions of the respective cams through the adjacent end surface of said base; of a sheet-metal cap adapted to receive said end of the base, said cap being provided with an aperture in its end wall, and on diametrically o posite sides with a pair of slits in its side wa l, and having edge portions of said wall ad acent to said slits indented to form spring I apartition erected from its inner end extendmembers adapted to be inserted through said respective recesses by a telescoping movement, and to rideupon said respective camsand occupy said respective depressed seats by a rotative movement; and a transparent disk interposed between the end Wall of the ca and the cut edges of said intro-3 verted si e portions thereof.

16. In a fuse-plug and in combination, a hollow base of insulating material provided on its outer side with a depression and having mg transversely of the base-cavity in line with said depression; and a screw-shell inclosin the base having a side portion introverte into said side depression therein.

In testimony whereof. We have hereunto set our hands thisQd day of March, 1904.

' AUGUST WEBER, SR.

AUGUST WEBER, JR. Witnesses;

J. O. DANCER, WALTER BRIGGS, 

